For Immediate Release: September 30, 2009
Contact: Clay Harris; (505) 248-6428; Clay_Harris@fws.gov
FFS #R2CA/R2CH
Socorro, NM - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will utilize funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at the Bosque del Apache and Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) in New Mexico.
The projects will increase energy efficiency and provide long-term cost savings by harnessing solar power to generate electricity in buildings on the refuges, including the visitor’s center at Sevilleta NWR. The projects are estimated to cost about $250,000 each, and construction is expected to begin in November 2009. Six additional refuges in the Service’s Southwest Region, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona, also will receive Recovery Act funds for PV systems.
“The Service is committed to making our facilities as energy efficient as possible,” said Benjamin Tuggle, PhD, director of the Service’s Southwest region. “These Recovery Act projects provide long-term benefits by improving energy efficiency on the refuges and by providing employment for Americans.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, PV systems convert solar energy directly into electricity and are one of the cleanest power-generating systems available. PV systems have virtually no environmental impact and produce no air pollution, hazardous waste or noise. With minimal operating costs and few maintenance requirements, PV systems are ideal for supplying power to remote locations.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the world’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants. The Bosque del Apache NWR, located 20 miles south of Socorro, New Mexico, consists of 57,191 acres and is renowned for the thousands of migratory birds who make the refuge their winter home. The Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, located 20 miles north of Socorro, New Mexico, supports four major ecological habitats, encompasses two mountain ranges, and contains stretches of the largest river in the state. Sevilleta NWR also hosts the University of New Mexico Long Term Ecological Research program initiated in 1988.
Funding for these projects and hundreds more across the nation comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Of the $3 billion appropriated to the Department of the Interior, the Act provides $280 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service’s Southwest Region received $29.9 million for 129 construction, energy-efficiency, habitat-restoration, and other improvement projects at national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, and other public and private lands. The projects represent priority needs, generate the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time, and create lasting value for the American public. For a full list of projects funded nationwide, visit the Department’s Recovery Web Site at http://recovery.doi.gov.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information, visit www.fws.gov.
